JK Rowling in Biography Magazine

Donna (Alcestis1) sent in this tip-rumour ages ago, and we are happy to post the news first on HPANA.

Is there a Muggle alive who hasn't heard of Harry Potter or his creator, J.K. Rowling? From welfare mom to world-famous author (she's now richer than Queen Elizabeth), Rowling's life has been, well, magical.

Readers have sent the story to us right after my request for it - this short quotage is due to their efforts. Thanks, Choralee and Christopher.

A graduate of Exeter University, Rowling moved to Portugal in 1990 to teach English. There, she met and married the Portuguese journalist Jorge Arantes. The couple’s daughter, Jessica, was born in 1993. After her marriage ended in divorce, Rowling moved to Edinburgh with her daughter to live near her younger sister, Di. While struggling to support Jessica and herself on welfare, Rowling worked on a book, the idea for which had reportedly occurred to her while she was traveling on a train from Manchester to London in 1990. After a number of rejections, she finally sold the book, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (the word “Philosopher” was changed to “Sorcerer” for its publication in America), for the equivalent of about $4,000.

Thanks for the tip, Donna! - and please accept apologies for the belated post honoring it.